Archive for October 2012

Q: If my tooth is in pain, should I use an over-the-counter medication? A: If a tooth that is creating pain has a missing filling or a large cavity, you should see a dentist rather than treating the problem with over-the-counter medications. The best way to avoid pain is to see a . . . Read more

Q: What can you do when you can’t get to the dentist and you are in pain? A: Your first option is to call your dentist and ask for advice. Your second option is to control the pain until you can get in to see your dentist. Over-the-counter medications can . . . Read more

Q: What’s a good toothache remedy? A: Patients have told me that there is nothing more painful than a toothache. Because there is a chance your tooth is infected, your first toothache remedy is to see a dentist immediately. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area . . . Read more

Q: What kind of complications can occur with implants? A: If the implant surgeon does not evaluate the bone and surrounding anatomy properly, several types of complications can occur. For example, if the surgeon does not place the implant into adequate bone, the implant may not integrate into the bone and . . . Read more

Q: What are teeth in a day? A: Teeth in a day refers to securing teeth to implants the day of surgery. Proper experience with treatment planning is important in achieving the proper results. A CT scan is utilized to determine the location of the implants prior to surgery and . . . Read more

Q: Can l implants solve denture problems? A: Usually. If you are suffering with a denture, you should get an evaluation to determine whether implants can help you. For example, if your lower denture is floating and flipping while eating and talking , implants may be your answer. If your . . . Read more

Q: Are toothpicks ever recommended by dentists? A: Stimudent wooden picks should only be used when recommended by a dentist. They are for patients who have or have had gum disease. They are used to massage the gums to reduce inflammation. Their use should be monitored and updated by the dentist. . . . Read more

Q: Can toothpicks damage my gums? A: Toothpicks used aggressively will damage the gums even more quickly than the root surface. The gums may recede at the papilla area (the triangle of gum tissue between the teeth) leaving behind a black void which is unattractive. It is especially unpleasant if gaps . . . Read more

Q: Can toothpicks damage your teeth? A: Jamming any sharp object into your gums has the potential to do damage. I have seen patient’s teeth notched at the roots from aggressive tooth picking. Believe it or not, even improper flossing can result in notching. If something as soft and flexible as . . . Read more

Q: My husband uses toothpicks all the time. Is this bad for his teeth? A: There are several different types of toothpicks available: The old-fashioned, rounded wooden toothpicks available at your corner restaurant Thin plastic rotadent toothpicks from your dentist Wedge-shaped stimudent toothpicks available at your drugstore The rounded toothpicks are the most likely . . . Read more